So long time readers of Swoon Worthy will know that it has always (and will always be) a predominately interiors-driven blog. It has always been about our home, about the trends that have caught my eye, about teaching you guys about good design and how to bring personality into your homes. Over the years, there have always been a few exceptions to this rule but for the most part, interiors are what you got on Swoon Worthy. However, there’s always been a part of me that felt like I had a lot more to give here.
Taking the decision long ago that Swoon Worthy would ONLY ever be about interiors has felt a little like a self-made straight jacket. Obviously I have other interests in my life and while interiors will probably always be my #1 love in terms of what I like writing about, there have been plenty of times I would have liked to have talked about something a little different on my blog but felt like perhaps it wasn’t quite right to shove in something about – oh I don’t know, a recipe I love or a new handbag I bought or what I’ve learned about running my own business – amongst all the interior design content.
The more I thought about it, the more I wondered why I’d done this to myself. After all, this is my space on the internet and this is my blog. Why can’t I talk about what I want to talk about? Most blogs I follow have a variety of content which I enjoy. I may not read every single post but for the most part, I feel like it gives me a much more well-rounded view of the blogger I’m reading about. I get to know all the different aspects of their personality – not just one element of it. This thought process has literally followed me around for YEARS. I have been torn about whether to introduce different topics or whether you guys would get annoyed seeing something so radically different here on Swoon Worthy.
The truth is, I don’t want to alienate you guys. I want to give you the content that you want to read and I know that for the most part, that’s interior design related stuff. Which is great because I can talk about interior design until the cows come home. But at the same time, I’ve been writing this blog now for 7 years (!). There is a SHIT LOAD of interior design-related stuffΒ on this blog. I have always wanted Swoon Worthy to evolve and it has always done that. My tastes have changed since the early days and I’ve become a lot more confident – not just in terms of my design choices or my ability to share what I’ve learned – but also in my knowledge of the industry, my writing style and my photography (although everything is still a learning curve). I’ve grown and changed and many of you have changed and evolved with me.
And so with my 7 year blog anniversary freshly behind me, I feel like it’s time to evolve again. Don’t worry, Swoon Worthy isn’t becoming something entirely different. That’s not what evolution is about, after all. I’ll still be bringing you all the content that I know you love – interior design discoveries, room makeovers (especially when we move – there will be a LOT of room makeovers when that happens!), easy DIYs, getting that glam look whether you are on a budget or have a bit to splurge. That will all still be here.
But alongside all the interior design content you love, there may be a few other things you’ll see. It may be something I love that’s trending in fashion, it may be makeup tips (I’m a total makeup junkie if you didn’t already know that), it might be what it’s really like living in the UK from an American perspective, it might be gorgeous recipes using natural ingredients that have become a staple at dinner time, it might be my thoughts on being a woman in the 21st century. At this point, I kind of feel like the world is my oyster.
This new category on my blog will simply be called LIFE and it will hopefully sit comfortably alongside all the interior design content you are used to. Am I nervous about this change? Absolutely f**king terrified if I’m honest. But in order to grow, we need to do things out of our comfort zone. And Swoon Worthy has just become a little too comfortable over the years. It’s time to spread my wings ever so slightly. I really hope you’ll enjoy the new topics. At the moment, I’m only planning on a few of these types of pieces a month so like I said, we’re not talking about a radical change here, just a smattering of different things I think you might like to read about and almost just as importantly, things that I really want to chat about to you too.
Hope you enjoy this little change on Swoon Worthy. If you hate the idea, please don’t tell me, okay? I’d much prefer if you quietly just decide to skip those posts rather than tell me I’m doing something horribly wrong that you hate because I’m too nervous about this and may just go into hiding permanently. If you love the idea, however, please do tell me so I can feel that bit more confident about this decision! And if you’d like to, let me know what lifestyle content you enjoy reading on other blogs or what you’d love to read about here on Swoon Worthy! Thank you!
I would do exactly what you want to do! I started just writing about our home but wanted to expand so I did and it was the best decision I ever made x
Jenny | LuxeStyle
Ahh it’s so good to hear from those who have lived to tell! Ha! Thanks so much for the encouragement Jenny! xxx
Kimberly, I LOVE this idea! You bring so much passion to your work and I know you’ll do this regardless of what you write about. Looking forward to reading your Life posts when the time comes :-)
Thanks so much darling, that means a lot! xxx
LoVe the branching out, don’t be scared! And as an Anglophile from Boston, I’d really love to read about your adventures in the UK and your thoughts on what is interesting to you as a person in your position.
I am SO looking forward to this!
~Barbara
Aww thank you Barbara and American adventures in the UK seems like a popular topic – duly noted ;) xx
Go for it girl – I love that you are expanding to other topics! Always look forward to your posts :)
Yay! Thank you so much Colette! xx
Love the idea!
As an interiors and lifestyle blogger myself, I think it is the best combo!
Can’t wait to read…especially your recipes, business tips and thoughts on living in U.K. !
Ahh Claire, you have such a lovely variety of content on your blog! Thanks so much for the encouragement – I’m very excited! xxx
The world is absolutely your oyster, Kimberly! You’re awesome, and I’d love to know about what else is going on with you besides interiors, so looking forward to your life posts! :-) xxx
Thank you so much darling! I’m quite excited myself ;) xxx
This is exciting! I’d love to read more about your thoughts and other passions. At the end of the day, your readers are here because you’re Kimberley Duran. Even if you dedicated your blog to the wild pikas of North America’s mountains, your readers would follow you.
By the way, check out the pikas. They’re so cute!
*misspelled your name (blame the autocorrect) :-)
Oh my god I am SO doing a post on wild pikas!!! THEY ARE SO FREAKING CUTE!! Hahaha! (Oh and don’t worry about the name spelling – it happens all the time!) ;) xx
Hi Kimberly, I can’t wait for all the new stuff! I think I’m a similar age to you (a few years older!!!!!π±) but still have the same interests as you. I always have a good nosey at your photo’s and wonder where you got various items from that aren’t mentioned on your posts ( told you I’m a nosey b******d!!!!). Can we have a make up one first? Thanks, xxxxπ
Ahhh that’s so great Jayne, I’m so glad! I’m a bit older but I still like fashion and beauty too and you’d think from YouTube/blogs that everyone who’s into that stuff is in their 20s ;) I call BS! And makeup tips are duly noted ;) xxx
I’m really excited about this tbh! I follow your blog because I like you, so sharing more varied stuff defo works for me ππΌ
Aww thanks lovely! And agree, it’s the same reason I love your blog! xxx
sounds good, make up and fashion always work for me :) but some more thought provoking subjects are interesting as well
Duly noted, Jill! Hoping to have a good mix of everything! Thanks so much lovely xxx
Go for it flower XXX.
No matter what you have wrote about in your post I have enjoyed reading. You are a very talented writer, I’ve even read what you have wrote about blogging and I’m not a blogger but I enjoyed the post.
I’ve followed you for a long time, not just because of what you write but how you come across as a person and I like that. So YES I would enjoy how you are going to evolve your blog, I’m looking forward to it, so roll on the hair makeup fashion cooking traveling posts XXX
I love that you read my blogging tips and you’re not even a blogger, Pauline! Ha! Your support means the world to me, lovely – I so appreciate it! Mwah xxx
You go girl, fly high x
Yay!! Thank you lovely!! xxx
I can’t say anything that others haven’t already said, and said much better than I. I follow YOU, because of you, your location, your point of view, sense of humor, and more. Go on with posting whatever expresses you, people will follow.
And Juan is right about the pikas. :)
Aww thank you so much Ruth! That means the world to me! And yes, Juan is SO right about the pikas – haha! They are just so cute, totally deserve a post ;-p xxx
Kimberly just go for it, no need to be scared after all it’s your blog and your life and we love you for it!
I recently introduced a fashion category into my crafty /interiors blog, so glad I did it’s opened up many opportunities and I’ve even made new friends! Good luck Looking forward to it ……
Aww thanks so much lovely! I love the idea of more friends and more opportunities – so nice to hear from those who’ve successfully made the transition :D xx
Love that you are evolving and expanding! I am particularly interested in hearing about living in the U.K., but I know anything you write will be wonderful!
Aww thanks Kristen! And the American living in the UK posts seem a popular option ;) Duly noted! xx
I agree with everyone else, you do whatever you like and we’ll read it, I promise you π I read it because it’s written from the heart, looks good, is intelligent and interesting-it doesn’t matter what the topic is! We out here also have multi -dimensional lives and multiple interests too π
Oh that means so much to me, Joanne! Thank you for your lovely comment, you’re too sweet! Mwah xxx
I think this is fantastic! At the end of the day, it’s your space to do what you want with and it will only be better for having made it authentically and wholly yours. You will be happier and the readers you are supposed to have will be thrilled to come along for the ride! I love the idea of hearing about living in the UK as an expat (so I can live vicariously through you. ha!). Cheers!!
Aww thank you – that’s exactly what I’m hoping! A little fire in my belly is never a bad thing when it comes to writing. Thanks so much and ‘American in the UK’ seems to be a popular request ;) Duly noted! xx
Go for it! Cant’ wait to see the new content :)
x
Thank you so much Laurie! xx
GO FOR IT!!! A lot of other interior design bloggers are doing it, and I honestly really enjoy it. The ‘Friday’ link up posts, or random recipes…. its a nice break from all things interior and like you and other comment-ers have mentioned its nice to see the bigger picture of what makes you, YOU! Looking forward to growing with you =)
Yay! Thank you so much for the encouragement, Jen! Agree, I love seeing it on other blogs too :D xxx
I think it’s fantastic that you’re branching out! I remember when you used to post your makeup selfies on IG and I loved that! I’d also love to hear more about your Paleo journey and any good recipes and tips you might have regarding maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. I’m in my 40s and I don’t necessarily want to be thin… I just don’t want to feel terrible because of what I eat! LOL! So yes, more of everything girl! Bring it on!
Ahh thank you so much Gina! Maybe I’ll go back to makeup selfies – who knows! Haha! And I’m the same – I’m perfectly content not being ‘tiny’, I just want to treat myself well and feel a bit healthy ;) Really appreciate your support, lovely xx
Change is exciting and refreshing! And from a reader’s POV, I love the idea. I follow a lot of interior design blogs and what I love most is seeing all the different personalities in those designs. Seeing the person behind the blog is interesting, so the idea of you sharing more of you (and from topics I enjoy – total fashion hoarder here) will be awesome. Congrats on your decision!
Yay! Thank you Jill and totally agree – many of my favourite blogs cover a variety of topics too ;) Fashion stuff duly noted! Cheers lovely xxx
Sounds a great idea to me. Looking forward to it βΊ Even if it’s scary, remember to enjoy it!
Thank you so much Lisa and good advice – anything worth doing is gonna be scary at first ;) xx
Kimberly – I can’t wait to read all about Your new adventures! Hoping I’ll get to A. Learn how to apply make up as flawlessly as you (at the age of 32 I still cannot do this), 2. Cook more wheat/gluten free meals and 3. Continue to see your interior projects! Looking forward to the new content! Xx
Aww thank you Joanne!! I shall do my best! Ha! Mwah xxx
I think this is great news! I’m especially interested in your fashion and recipes! Also really can’t wait to read your American point of view on British life!
Ahh thank you so much Abi! I’m looking forward to covering all of those topics ;) xx
As a long time reader I’m looking forward to more info about all sorts of interesting things happening in your life. Have fun!
Ahh thank you lovely! I really do appreciate your support, you’re a star! xxx
You go, girl! I love your blog and look forward to the new content.
Thank you so much Carole! Mwah! xxx
Love the idea, can’t wait for the changes π
Yay!! Thank you Anne Marie! xxx
A big yes to this. Looking forward to seeing new things from you!
Yay! Thank you so much Jill! xxx
Agree. Looking forwards to it already π I’ve personally enjoyed the posts I’ve seen where you have started to branch out a little already – tea cocktails for instance. I’m excited to see what else you have in store for us.
Ahh so happy you liked the tea cocktail post! That was me dipping my toe in as it were! Ha! Thanks so much darling xxx
BTW please can we see more pictures of your pretty kitty Meisha xxx
Hahaha! Duly noted, I am always happy to share a bit of Meisha here ;) xx
I say go for it Kimberly. Really what do you have to lose…I love reading your blog and even though like you I’m a die hard interiors fan I also enjoy reading about travel, make up and love to cook. So go into this new venture with positivity and hope. You will make it a success.
Aww that’s so nice of you Natalie and I think you’re right – we all have varied interests after all! ;) Mwah! xxx
‘Home is where the heart is’, continue to share your ‘swoon worthy’ ideas, no matter what category they are. Love the idea..follow your heart <3
Aww thank you so much lovely! Mwah! xxx
Oh no! At first, I thought you were saying goodbye! Phew! Sooo happy with the new direction! Can’t wait to see your new content!
Hahaha! Ahh you can’t get rid of me that easily Charlotte! LOL! Thank you so much lovely xxx
Go for it lady! I am not always 100% into every topic you choose to write about, but your writing is what lures me in and keeps me here, so how can I say no to more of your writing?! Looking forward to seeing what LIFE brings us all!
That sounded less positive than I meant it to, I mean sometimes you write about unexpected stuff that I still read and enjoy even though it’s not something I would normally click on elsewhere. Positive vibes only!
Hahaha! Aww thanks so much lovely and honestly, even if people wanted to skip those posts, I wouldn’t mind as long as they didn’t leave me completely ;) (I’m so needy clearly!! LOL!) Thank you so much for the support – it really means the world to me xxxx
Go for it π
Thank you so much Kath! Whoop! xxx
You go girl! I am a dedicated reader/fan Girl! Always interested in your musings
I agree with all the lovely comments above! Also, I enjoyed reading your interview with Karen/Making Spaces – this format might work well (with whoever you think is interesting subject), as I think you connect well and could get people to open up. I was also impressed with your post about ‘not being jealous/ focusing on your own path’ – encapsulated your ability to address relevant topics with fairness, insightfullness and humility – and wicked humour:0) I would love to read more on your take on life.
Sweetie, there are a lot of interior design blogs out on the great interwebs, and I have checked out most of them. The few blogs that become part of my regular weekly reading have something special about them–a personality. There is someone I connect with, relate to, or enjoy for their difference. You have that personality, that presence. I will enjoy reading whatever you wish to write about.
Go for it, girl! You are a wonderful writer as well as a keen observer and I do have to admit I love your sweet Sheltie as well!
You will continue to do well as the real “you” comes through with every entry you write. Your blog is entertaining as well as full of great stuff!
Susan
Blogs are as much about the person as the content and I think you shouldn’t be worried about sharing more about you. People can always ignore things. Anyway, so do tell us about your palette love.
Go Kimberly it will be brilliant! Xx
You go! Nobody is one-dimensional and it’s only natural that your blog should reflect that. Whether fashion, make-up, food – do whatever feels right for you and I know you’ll not only be happier but your readers will appreciate it. I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ll share! xo
HI – I’ve followed your blog for a while but not commented until now. I do love your blog – the style of your writing, the photos and your personality shining through. It’s exciting that you are branching out and I’m really looking forward to your new posts on LIFE :)
Aww Jayne, thanks so much for deciding to comment on this one! That means a lot to me! xx
Kimberly…I love reading your blog! I would read it no matter what the content. Looking forward to seeing what you have in store! Take care!
Yes Kimberly! While I completely understand your nerves, you have every right to share your ‘other sides’ on your blog. I’m thoroughly looking forward to your LIFE posts :)
I’m looking forward to seeing you write about other things. I could do with make-up advice but I don’t necessarily want to start following make-up blogs to find it. So you have my vote for what it’s worth. Good luck xx
I LOVE this! It’ll be lovely to get further insight into the different things that you love, your life – the little things that make you who you are. Well done for taking the leap & I can’t wait to see Swoon Worthy evolve! xx
<3 <3 <3
That's all!
I say go for it! I’m sure your followers will love getting an insight into your life and all the things you like. Looking forward to seeing the Life posts! x
I don’t really see why anyone would object to you writing about what you’re passionate about. I for one will look forward to your posts!
Really excited about this! I love this blog, and I’m not even that into interior design [don’t shoot me please]. I think I just really enjoy your voice and writing style, and of course your high quality of content. Whoo!
Hahaha! The fact that you read my blog despite not really being into interior design is mega – I’m incredibly flattered by that! Thank you so much, that means a lot to me ;) xx
Sounds good! I enjoy a variety of topics and I love new ideas too. I laughed when you wrote that people unfollow you when you post selfies (seems crazy). Looking forward to the new topics as well as more design!
Think this would be a great idea I’m looking forward to reading your new content and think its a great idea!
Think this would be a great idea I’m looking forward to reading your new content!!!!